Thera Gloves

In case you didn't see the update to my article about items to help those with aches and pains, Sara Leigh says the Thera Gloves work really well. She used to sell them when she owned a needlework shop.  Thanks for the tip, SL!
http://www.theraglove.com/products.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 10, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitching with Disabilities--or Just Aches and Pains UPDATED

None of us are getting any younger so thinking about tools and techniques to keep us doing our preferred type of needlework is important.   Some of us struggle with chronic illnesses or vision problems; others just overdo it.  The repetitive motions involved in needlework can cause issues on their own.  (If you tend to stitch for long stretches, make sure you get up periodically and stretch.) There is a section in Blog's right hand column under the koi pool with links to exercises for hands and tips on ergonomic chairs, etc.

I found a charming article written by someone with arthritis that talks about the things that help them with their needlework.  It will start you thinking about how to make needlepoint easier on your body.
http://www.incolororder.com/2012/08/safe-sewing-crafting-with-arthritis.html

123Stitch.com has a great product list, many of which you will find helpful.
http://www.123stitch.com/Stitching_Aids.html

Personally, my favorite adaptive tool for needlepoint is the Handeze fingerless craft glove.
http://www.123stitch.com/item/Handeze-Craft-Glove-Medium-1-Per-Package/EDM-HA13

Just make sure you pick the right size.  I wear small but my hands are so tiny that I can buy my winter gloves in the kids' clothing section.  These keep your hands warm and the circulation going.
So what's your favorite tool to help you stitch easier?

UPDATE:  Sara Leigh highly recommends this brand of gloves.  She says they are more expensive than the Handeze fingerless gloves but she finds them better for her own stiff hands and sold them in her shop.
http://www.theraglove.com/products.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 27, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

February 2010 Chilly Hollow Newsletter Article

Morning all! We are snowed in here in Virginia, with more on the way, so it seems a good time to go visit a museum. After all, one can only stitch, stare at the Weather Channel or shovel snow for so long before you need a break!

Let's start out with an exhibit of kimono from the 1910-40 period which are for sale. These were the first mass-produced kimonos in Japan and the bold, graphic patterns would make great NP designs.
http://marcusonandhall.com/exhibitions/meisen-kimonos

Are you an admirer of samplers? Then you'll want to read this article about getting the most out of the V&A's online exhibit of samplers before you go browse their museum site.
http://needleprint.blogspot.com/2010/02/getting-most-out-of-v-sampler.html

Are you enthralled by the elaborate clothing of the Elizabethean period? Then you will want to browse this collection of gloves. They are astounding!
http://www.glovecollectioncatalogue.org/Spence-Collection-at-Bath-23337-to-23361

The trim on those 17th Century gloves is amazing but it turns out, trims and edgings are an even older craft. The Vikings made them, even. Examples of Medieval trims in silver and gold are shown on this site which explains a bit about them.
http://m-silkwork.blogspot.com/2010/02/silver-and-gold-ornaments-of-vikings.html

Somehow the snow doesn't seem so important when we browse the stitching of our spiritual ancestors.

Before I close, I want to let you know that Ruth Schmuff's It's Not Your Grandmother's Needlepoint blog has moved to a new site. Bookmark at, then settle in and read about Ruth's Valentine canvas. Ruth, hope it is snowing pink spangles and silver rhinestones on you, not the real stuff!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow